The Beauty Myth: Applying Vaseline Nightly Will Prevent Wrinkles

Verdict: False

God, if only  there were such a cheap way of preventing wrinkles!

Vaseline contains 100% petroleum jelly - a deeply moisturising ingredient that forces oils into the skin and prevents them from evaporating. So Vaseline can make wrinkles less apparent - as the moisture it provides softens fine lines - however it just can't prevent skin ageing.

In truth, only skincare products containing active ingredients (such a retinol) can keep wrinkles at bay. So swap the nightly Vaseline face treatment for an effective anti-ageing night cream. I am a big fan of the Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment 30ml (£38.00 Boots / $47.50 Sephora).

Wednesday Wisdom: Ava Gardner

“When I lose my temper, honey, you can't find it any place”

The Tuesday Tip: Skin Saving Strawberries

Some gals think the only products that can properly combat acne are those containing hard-to-pronounce synthetic ingredients, however this is not the case. In fact, one of the key ingredients used in acne-fighting products is salicylic acid and this can be derived naturally from a variety of different sources, one of which being strawberries!

So if you have unwanted acne and want to treat it as naturally as possible, give this little DIY mask a try...

• Place a hand full of strawberries into a bowl with an equal amount of natural yoghurt
• Mash the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency
• Spread the mask evenly over your entire face and neck
•  Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and then rinse well

If you're not one for getting your hands dirty, I would recommend using the Mario Badescu Strawberry Tonic Mask (£17.95 beautybay.com / $18.00 mariobadescu.com) as a quick and easy fix. It is a strawberry filled, alpha hydroxy rich, clay mask that absorbs surface oils and debris to keep skin clear and healthy. It also contains the soothing botanical Balsam Peru, which helps to reduce redness and any minor irritation.

Ingredients 101: Panax Ginseng

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

The Science: Panax ginseng is one of 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants. The root of the panax ginseng is utilised medicinally, however active compounds are also present in all other parts of the plant. Due to its numerous health benefits, Panax ginseng is one of the most commonly used species of ginseng.

Location: Panax ginseng is traditionally found in eastern Asia.

Beauty Benefits: Panax ginseng root extract contains a large number of phytonutrients which stimulate and activate the skin's metabolism and blood flow to regenerate and tone. This is just one of the reasons why skincare brands include the natural wonder in anti-ageing products. In fact, study results suggest that panax ginseng root extract promotes the production of type I collagen! Packed with antioxidants, panax ginseng root extract also protects skin from the free radicals that accumulate due to environmental pollution and exposure to UV rays.

Warnings: None. The CIR evaluated Panax Ginseng Root Extract and found that it is safe for use in cosmetic ingredients.

Found in: Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturiser 50ml (£23.00 Debenhams / $26.50 Sephora). It is a lightweight face cream that instantly hydrates the skin and leaves it with a lovely healthy glow. It is the perfect morning pick-me-up and, like all Origins products, it is formulated without parabens, phthalates and other harsh chemicals. It is also oil-free!

Weekly Worship: Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant

Price: £27.00 / $40.00 15ml

Stockist: cultbeauty.co.uk / aesop.com

The Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant is a beauty add-on that I am a little obsessed with. It contains a dry mix of crushed botanicals, designed to be added to your favourite gel or cream based cleanser to scrub and buff the skin. Alternatively, you can use this product on its own by mixing the crushed botanicals with a tiny amount of water to form an exfoliating paste.

What's amazing about the Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant is its ability to scrub and buff the skin without being too abrasive. Also, only a small amount of product is required per use. I use a pea-sized amount which, coupled with the size of the bottle, helps this bad boy last a very long time.

Tip: I would recommend keeping this beautiful bottle out of the shower. Trying to use it whilst showering can be a little tricky and you may end up with water in the bottle!